ZiOM Orchestra, also known as the Ziębice Mandolin Orchestra, is based at the Ziębice Cultural Centre, with its activities proudly supported by the Municipality of Ziębice and the Living Cultures Foundation. Founded in January 2020, the ensemble captures the essence of local musicality and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The orchestra is led by composer and instrumentalist Dariusz Dżugan (Ju Ghan), a graduate of the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, who imbues the ensemble with its unique sonic character. Featuring an extensive array of instruments – ranging from mandolins, mandolas, and mandocellos to double bass, piano, trumpet, clarinet, vibraphone, and percussion – the orchestra crafts exceptionally colorful, cinematic music.
The ZiOM Orchestra brings together residents of the Ziębice municipality and its surrounding areas, alongside highly experienced instrumentalists from the Lower Silesia region who boast a significant artistic portfolio. The ensemble delivers performances of a high artistic standard while carefully nurturing local musical traditions. The orchestra’s primary mission is to revitalize the regional tradition of mandolin playing and to promote the rich cultural heritage of Lower Silesia.
The ensemble’s repertoire is built upon the original compositions of Dariusz Dżugan, which draw inspiration from the region’s native mandolin traditions. In doing so, the orchestra restores the memory of a mandolin ensemble that thrived in Ziębice during the 1950s, beautifully bridging history with a modern approach to music and community-driven culture.
